The Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College is pleased to present the Gustavus Dance Company’s 2007 Spring Dance Concert: To Touch, To Move, To Inspire. In a show of athleticism, striking imagery, and surprising humor, the concert is a celebration of the art of dance that is not to be missed. Featured is a presentation of works from Gustavus faculty and students as well as a guest performance from the modern dance company Three Dances. Performances will be presented in Anderson Theatre, March 9 and 10 at 8 pm and March 11 at 2 pm.
The Gustavus Dance Company welcomes Laura Selle-Virtucio’s choreography to the Anderson Stage for the first time this year with her piece Prelude for the Left Hand Alone. This piece is set to the colorful piano compositions of Scriabin. There is a sense of yearning in the music that is never fulfilled, a feeling experienced by many. Selle-Virtucio explores this sensation by creating unison dance phrases and one voice for nine bodies. She also turns these phrases in on themselves and unfolds patterns in the paths traveled by groups of dancers, in the partnering between the dancers, and within each dancer. Dancers begin alone, but quickly find shifting support and alliances, building groups and breaking bonds.
Touched, choreographed by Maria Gomez-Tierney, is an edgy duet featuring Gustavus Dance Company students Matt Dittes and Brian Evans. The men tumble and fumble into touch, uncovering a strangely graceful dance evoking tenderness.
In Women, also choreographed by Maria Gomez-Tierney, five female dancers impulsively flirt with each new interchange, joyously celebrating the moment.
iceLAND is Cynthia Gutierrez’s newest commission for the dance program at Gustavus. This modern dance work set to the music of the Venetian Snares and Sigur Ros is an abstract exploration into the dynamic shifts and emotional implodes that occur when a relationship finds itself on the brink of its end. What is the action and reaction, what are the violations and what is the damage when the air is cleared? Is there life after death in a relationship and what is the miracle that can raise this relational Lazarus from the dead?
Sue Gunness brings ballet to the concert in a trio feast entitled Three-oh! This piece set to Beethoven includes three short tributes to ballet that takes the audience on a journey through lyrical movement, fast footwork, and serenity. Experimenting with both classical and contemporary form, this piece is a sweet delight to savor and enjoy.
In a special performance by modern dance company Three Dances, Suzanne Wiltgen brings to Gustavus a movement invention that tips, twirls, and somersaults through space.
cRaCk\d, choreographed by senior Gustavus Dance Company students Taylor Rocheford and Matt Dittes, made its premiere in Shared Space 2006. This piece is inspired by unique and wild fashions but is focused on individuality. While it may seem that this piece revolves around clothes, it ends up focusing on what is underneath…the person. This piece contains several different qualities specifically incorporating creepy, pulsating, and forceful movement.
The work of student choreographer and Gustavus Dance Company senior Tiffany Plante will be featured in her solo work entitled Where We Are Now. The piece centers on the fear of the unknown and the realization that life moves on in the blink of an eye. Through exquisite movement patterns and emotion Plante reminds us all to treasure our moments as they pass us by.
Tickets for the concert are required as all seating is reserved. The cost is $7.00 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets for Gustavus students, faculty, and staff are free. Please purchase tickets through the Student Activities Office or by calling the Gustavus ticket center at (507)933-7590.
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